Post Script:
Because of Grace
I wanted to add one more thing but not make it part of the “official” post.
If my explanation confused you or was unhelpful, that’s totally fair.
Essentially, if someone doesn’t do the actions to become someone new, to become like God, then they won’t want to live with God anyway.
No one has to earn grace. You do not have to earn grace. You don’t even have to “qualify” for grace.
It is a gift, freely given. Freely offered.
Your choices do matter, but not so you can “earn” something.
They matter because once you’ve become new, whole, changed, perfected … you’ll want to live with Them again. You’ll be ready. And when that time comes, you will qualify to receive all that our Heavenly Parents have.
Because of Jesus Christ’s atonement.
Because of grace.
I, too, ponder grace from time to time. For me understanding grace has been a process of growing and learning. What you have written is beautiful, raw and real!! Thank you!!